Assessment for lake sturgeon habitat in the Raquette River, NY

Management agencies have targeted lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) for extensive rehabilitation.  Lake sturgeon is a species considered integral to restoration of native fish communities and their ecosystems, but has been reduced to a small percentage of former abundance.  Environmental and biotic sampling was conducted in the lower Raquette River to delineate and assess possible lake sturgeon habitat.  Spawning habitat presence in terms of optimal water flows was evaluated in May of 2008 and 2009.  We have assessed the habitat use of the Raquette by 2004 stocked fingerling sturgeon.  The growth rates of these sturgeon are similar to patterns measured in family/sibling 2004 year class stocked sturgeon in other New York target restoration waters.  The comprehensive assessment of likely habitat to support all life stages of lake sturgeon from the St. Lawrence River to the first identified barrier was completed.  A sturgeon habitat suitability model was applied.  There is extensive suitable spawning and feeding habitat for lake sturgeon in the river.  This part of the St. Lawrence is co-managed by the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe at Akwesasne, Ontario, Quebec, and New York State.  The results of this research will inform further management actions including further supplementation with juveniles.